If you’re like us, you’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of summertime. With its mild island climate and array of outdoor events and activities, Victoria, BC is the perfect choice for a quick trip to kick off your summer! To get your travel planning started, here are 10 things to do in Victoria this June!
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1. Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tour – Now until December 31
Don’t miss the chance to meet the region’s awe-inspiring transient killer whales, as well as minkes, humpbacks, and other marine marvels on an Eagle Wing Whale Watching tour! Glide through the waters of the Salish Sea on a luxury, semi-covered, catamaran or a high performance open speed boat while the knowledgeable naturalists onboard search for wildlife and give you valuable insights into these magnificent creatures.
2. Afternoon Tea at Pendray Teahouse – Now until October 15
Located right across the street from FRS Clipper’s Victoria terminal lies the Pendray Inn’s stunning, 1890 historic property. Treat yourself to their afternoon tea to have your fresh-baked-scone and eat it too with an enticing lineup of locally-made treats. With smoked salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches, macarons, fruit tarts, tiramisu and more, you certainly won’t leave hungry!
3. Oak Bay Tea Party – June 2 – 4
Enjoy two days of merriment and local entertainment at the 61st annual Oak Bay Tea Party! Festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade through town, ending at the seaside Willows Park. The celebrations continue with a lineup of live music, air show antics, local food vendors and even a bathtub race!
4. Hop On Hop Off City Tour – Now – October 31
Soak in the sights and sounds of downtown Victoria and aboard a charming double-decker bus! This Victoria Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour offers the perfect way to pack in the highlights of BC’s capital city on your own schedule. The tour starts in front of the palatial Fairmont Empress Hotel, then winds its way around a variety of must-see spots including sprawling Beacon Hill Park, the quaint James Bay neighborhood, Craigdarroch Castle and lots more.
5. Folktoria – June 3 – 4
Celebrating a multicultural array of performing arts, food, and arts & crafts, Folktoria 2023 is back this year at Centennial Square. Catch live dance performances, sample eats from around the world, play a game or two, and soak in the diverse vibe that sets Victoria apart.
6. Sidney Thursday Night Street Market – June 15 – September 14
Spend a balmy Thursday evening strolling the streets of nearby Sidney, BC during their annual series of Street Markets! Check out booths from local vendors offering everything from baked goods and candy to jewelry and pottery, alongside a bevy of dining options from local food trucks. Find a one-of-a-kind souvenir from one of the artisan tents, grab some ripe summer berries from a produce booth and catch some live tunes from local musical acts.
7. Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival – June 16 – 18
Follow the sounds of strumming banjos and thrumming upright bass to this year’s Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival! Catch shows from artists traveling from as far away as Nashville, plus an assortment of local favorites such as The Doggone Brothers and The Clover Point Drifters. Tucked in the stunning Cowichan Valley, you’ll be located in the heart of Vancouver Island’s burgeoning wine scene as well as mere minutes away from hiking and cycling trails that wind past old-growth forests and tranquil lakes.
8. Celebrate Father’s Day – June 18
Give dad an experience to remember with a day of exploration in Victoria! Does he have a taste for malted marvels? Toast to pops with a lineup of frothy suds on a tasting tour of the Victoria’s finest suds. Is a day on water more his speed? Head out on whale watching adventure and seize the chance to meet the PNW’s most iconic marine inhabitants on a Five Star whale watching tour. History buff? Catch a Hop-on Hop-off & Craigdarroch Castle tour to explore the historic palace and dive deep into the culture of BC’s capital city.
9. Ska and Reggae Festival – June 21-25
Cruise over to Ship Point in the Inner Harbour for five full days of laid-back tunes at Victoria’s Ska and Reggae Festival. Whether it’s local favorites such as Victoria’s own Apex Breaks or La Real De Sonido hailing all the way from Bogatá, Colombia, the good tunes keep coming every day of this lively downtown music fest. (Insider tip: Check back here to see when the festival announces this year’s workshop selection! Previous years have included attractions like documentary film premieres, panel discussions with features bands and other music-centric activities.)
10. Victoria International Jazz Festival – June 22 – July 2
Head downtown for a night of mellow bass, soothing vocals and bright horns at the Victoria International JazzFest! As the longest running multi-day professional music festival on Vancouver Island, JazzFest has been offering its devoted audience a broad scope of entertainment for 40 years running. Spread across eight venues around the downtown area, the festival features jazz cats both new and old. Get the party started with Blasé Blasé, or slow things down with a soulful performance from Frederika Ionescu Quintet.
With this wide array of events and activities kicking off in June, it’s the perfect time to cruise up on the Victoria Clipper ferry for a weekend away! Stroll through outdoor markets, catch some stellar live music or take a quick trip to Brazil by way of dinner and dancing! With exciting cultural attractions taking place every week, Victoria is the perfect locale for fueling your early summer wanderlust.
